George Johnson Passes

After a long and interesting life, longtime industry participant George Johnson passed away in his sleep on Friday, September 23, 2011 at the age of 91

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He was born in Hagersville, son of George and Cassie Miller Johnson, in 1920 and was predeceased by the love of his life and his wife of 36 years, Bella Williams Johnson, in 1980. George will be lovingly remembered by all his friends and family for his zest for life, his intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. He served as a pilot bomber and flight instructor with the RCAF during World War II, and following the war, graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in business. George established a grain and hay supply business which he sold in 1990. He return to studies at the University of Toronto and graduated with a degree in World History and Philosophy in 1994.

After a decade, Johnston was drawn back to harness racing. Johnson was still jogging horses along with his son Greg on his 90th birthday in 2010. Together, the Johnsons campaigned veteran WEG circuit trotter Trace Of Class, who banked $252,165 in his career, and Mr Go, who won a leg of the General Brock Trotting Series in 2009 and banked nearly $100,000 before he was sold last year. George and Greg also developed Andover Image horse, Pommer, and the six-year-old Angus Hall mare, Bonnie Ronnie.

He was the loving father of son, Gregory and daughter, Sharon (Edward Schmidt) and "Uncle Ike" to numerous nieces and nephews, and grand- and great-grand nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by us all. Services will be held at Styres Funeral Home, Ohsweken, with visitation on Tuesday, September 27 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., and funeral on Wednesday, September 28 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Hagersville Cemetery, Hagersville.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of George Johnson.